to think you could treat me with respect even if I was from eastern europe?

[nutellalover]

receptionist at the GP was looking me up and down and had no time for me until she heard me speaking German to DS. Suddenly she gets all friendly and excited and exclaims she first thought i was from a 'more eastern part of europe'.
Why does it make such a difference?!

Don't worry you should hear the things i do about my husbands' country. And the looks when i tell them where my surname / my sons name are from - it is like dirt.

But i have learnt to accept that some people can't help to be ignorant [sp].

WHAT?! How dare she??!!

Wierd. (her not you) and that's putting it nicely!

guess people are scared of the unknown, worried about people talking in other languages etc.

it's an ideal world where everyone just accepts things without questionning isn't it

Did you ask her to explain her comment?

Really? Really? That's awful. Total unashamed naked prejudice. Just what you want from your local GP surgery ...

Most people, even if they thought it, wouldn't have the gall to spew it out like that. The worst thing about these people, who think they are superior, is they are really thick as two short planks. It's just the upset these people could cause if overheard.

mrspear, i know that one as well!my husband's parents have immigrated from an african country more than half a century ago. I have an african surname and two mixed race DC's, to make matters worse i am also considered a young mum. I guess i should get used to funny looks rather quickly!

i think it's fear rather than 'thickness'

at anyone being so blatantly, unashamedly racist at work. I'd have had words.

How rude!?

But intelligent people would know there's nothing to be afraid of surely? I don't get it, I really don't

I would complain. People who work in the health service should have had diversity training.

Hey, try this for size: the Union Rep at my DH's workplace is always harping on about 'bloody immigrants'. Although he's ok about one of his colleagues who just happens to be a pretty, white Polish woman. (No disrespect to her - it's not her fault the guy's a tosser!) Furthermore - he's married to an Australian (of white European descent)!!! He's MARRIED someone who's technically a 'bloody immigrant'!
It's almost funny!!
Almost.

the union rep??

I would complain too its not on @ all
I'm not that surprised - there's a lot of racist people still about, but it should be challenged

That is awful.

DH gets a bit of this. He's Russian. The best one was some idiot in the bank taking the mickey and making stupid little Russian-stereotype jokes. If I had a penny for every time some idiot says 'ooh, it's really cold there/they're really sexist/ homophobic/ corrupt, I'd be so rich.

Are you sure she doesnt just know some German and was pleased to recognise it?

I would know German from any other Eastern European language, but the fact she did suggests she is affliated with or fond of Germans/ germany in particular as opposed to not liking EEs...

A bit of a leap to accuse someone you know nothing about of raciscm

Yes, that's right, SpringHeeledJack. Crazy but true. I think he only got to be Union Rep 'cos he's quite bolshie, and no-one else put themselves forward.
TBH I think my DH should've gone for it 'cos he is a Proper Leftie! Whereas I do TRY my best to see everyone's POV.
Which does make me a bit dizzy sometimes. Hence the nickname. That and Iain M Banks.
But I digress.

I agree with DreamTeamGirl, she might just recognise German!

Also she only said 'more eastern part of europe' what's racist about that?

It's actually racist to assume she meant it in any derogatory sense, rather than just being factual.

Think it's a bit extreme to start saying'racist'

People should treat everyone with the same amount of respect, regardless of where they come from, or any other consideration.